ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING MOMENT FOR VMH

Vernon
Memorial
Healthcare
Spotlight
www.vmh.org
Vernon
Memorial
Healthcare
www.vmh.org
VernonMemorialHealthcare
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING MOMENT FOR VMH
The community came out to help usher in a new future for health care in La Farge.
Kevin Hoy
Marketing, VMH
A bright, sunny day was just
what the doctor ordered for the
groundbreaking on Vernon Memorial
Healthcare’s newest building.
About 100 community members
showed up on a warm, mid-July day
to put shovels to the dirt and formally
break ground on a new medical clinic
building in La Farge. It has been a long
time coming for the staff at the La
Farge Medical Clinic-VMH, who had
been doing big things with very little.
“I’ve been in the village for over
30 years and seen so many changes.
The practice has grown beyond our
wildest speculations really,” said
Medical Director Dr. James DeLine,
who took over the La Farge practice in
1983. “As the practice has grown busier
and busier, we’ve finally outgrown that
building.”
The new nearly 12,000 squarefoot facility, which will stand on the
former Schroer Hardwood Lumber
site, is expected to be completed by
the end of 2015. The building has been
designed so that more services can
be offered to the community. It will
provide the space for another full-time
physician to be added to the staff, as
well as opportunities to bring in more
specialists.
“We’ll be able to offer some
outside services from some specialty
doctors such as podiatry, genetics,
psychiatry hopefully, maybe some
other things like WIC,” said Mona
Bader, a nurse at the La Farge Medical
Clinic-VMH. “We’ll be able to expand
what we already do here, which is
really great community care.”
Along with the added staff, the
building will feature a new retail
pharmacy that will make it easier on
those who need to fill a prescription.
“Right now we have a few things
“”
The future home of health care in La Farge. Image: River Architects
on site so that patients can have
access to it, but otherwise they have to
drive 40 minutes to go up and back to
Viroqua, Hillsboro or Richland Center
to pick up their medications,” said
Tamsen Morgan, a physician assistant
The practice has grown beyond our wildest
speculations.
“”
Work begins
at site of
new La Farge
Clinic
James DeLine, M.D.
at the clinic. “It’s just such a hassle.
They’re feeling sick already, and then
to have to travel. It’s going to be so nice
to have the retail pharmacy.”
With all the added space and
features, it was still important for those
involved in the planning process to
maintain the look and feel of a smalltown rural clinic.
“We’re going to have local
craftsmen involved building cabinets
for us. Some of the Amish population
helped with outfitting some of these
rooms so it would really look like it
belongs in the community,” said Dan
Nelson, the Assistant Administrator of
Clinic Operations.
Planners hope that friendly
atmosphere will match the smiling
faces that you see at the La Farge
Medical Clinic-VMH.
“One of the unique things about
the La Farge Medical Clinic is the
closeness of the providers and staff,”
said Kyle Bakkum, CEO of Vernon
Memorial Healthcare. “As a patient you
come in to the clinic and you feel that
closeness. You really can tell that they
truly do care about you as a patient and
as a person.”
It’s that caring staff, coupled with
the chance to offer expanded service
to the community, that has the future
of the La Farge Medical Clinic-VMH
looking as bright as ever.
More photographs inside.
www.vmh.org
Board of Directors
Administration
Lee Cunningham
Jerry Moran
Trudy Wallin
Enid Neubauer
Roger Johnson
Judy Schmirler
Robert Knadle
Blane Charles
Bonnie Rath
Charles Norton
Phyllis Malin
Kyle Bakkum
Chief Executive Officer
Kristy Wiltrout
Chief Operating Officer
Mary Koenig
Chief Financial Officer
Dan Nelson
Assistant Administrator
of Clinic Operations
Medical Staff
Courtesy Staff
Emergency Medicine
Yvonne Brault, M.D.
James Gill, M.D.
Ralph Losey, M.D.
Anthony L. Macasaet, M.D.
Patrick Scott, M.D.
Audiology
Angela Manke, Au.D.
Family Practice
Ben Agar, M.D.
Rachel Bassett, M.D.
Paul Bergquist, M.D.
David Chakoian, M.D.
James DeLine, M.D.
James R. Feltes, M.D.
Joann Fouts, D.O.
David Hubbard, M.D., D.O.
Duane Koons, M.D.
Richard E. Long, M.D.
R.A. Macasaet, M.D.
John Porter, M.D.
Lucas Readinger, M.D.
Jon Radcliffe, D.O.
Elizabeth Roberts, M.D.
Shawn Sedgwick, M.D.
Brian Woody, M.D.
General Practice
Bill Calkins, M.D.
Deborah Prior, M.D.
General Surgery
R.A. Macasaet, M.D.
Alexander Wade, M.D.
Rachel Wilson, M.D.
Cardiology
Jayne Laylan, NP
Janice Schroeder, NP
Rajah Sundaram, M.D.
Michael Witcik, M.D.
Julie Wypyszynski, APNP
Dermatology
James Hogan, M.D.
Endocrinology
Arnold Asp, M.D.
Gastroenterology
Kenneth Horth, M.D.
James Groskreutz, M.D.
Steven Schlack-Haerer, M.D.
Hematology
John Farnen, M.D.
Neurology
Mary Goodsett, M.D.
Gregory Pupillo, M.D.
Nephrology
Margaret Myhre, MSN
Balaji Srinivasan, M.D.
OB/Gynecology
Deb Simon, M.D.
Ophthalmology
Paul Kuck, M.D.
Medical Affiliates Staff
Oral Surgery
David Ludington, D.D.S.
Nurse Practitioner
Bernadette Adams, FNP
Erin Uhe, FNP
Sheila Kupersmith, FNP-BC
Kris Brueggen, RN, MSN-CS, FNP
Tara Morgan, APNP, FNP-BC
Susanne Mlsna, RNC, MSN, FNP, WHNP
Kelly Scheder, APNP
Patricia Swasko, FNP, APNP
Optometry
Andrew Nahas, O.D.
Physician Assistant
Tom Franke, P.A.-C
Colin Kratochwill, P.A.-C
Randy Mickelson, P.A.-C
Tamsen Morgan, P.A.-C
Juliane Nevers, P.A.-C
Tammy Pedretti, P.A.-C
Ann Sherry, P.A.-C
Lisa Varnes-Epstein, P.A.-C
Behaviorial Health
Randall Kahn, MA
Kevin Schmidt, MSW
Paul Schmidt, MSSW, LICSW, CADC
Nurse Anesthetist
Brian Miller, CRNA
Arnold Nomann, CRNA
Greg Sauer, CRNA
Dennis Stalsberg, CRNA
Our Mission
Vernon Memorial Healthcare will
strive to have the vision to continually
provide the highest standard of care to
our patients and their families while
being “close to home.”
Our mission is to provide costeffective, accessible care and service
using professionally educated staff and
superior technology to meet the health
care needs of our community.
Our caring and commitment to
the community will be demonstrated
by our emphasis on health promotion
and disease prevention through
education.
Oncology
Kurt Oettel, M.D.
Orthopaedics
Jeffrey Lawrence, M.D.
Nurse Midwife
Kim Dowat, MSN, CNM
Jennifer Eissfeldt, CNM
Fall 2014
VMH Spotlight on Health
Otolaryngology
(Ear, Nose, Throat)
Edwin Overholt, M.D.
The Viroqua Area Medical Office Building, Viroqua
Our Aim
To provide the best QUALITY at
every step using the best staff, the
best technology and having the best
facilities possible
To IMPROVE the health of our
communities by providing wellness
programs, fitness programs and
health education programs
To Control and reduce the COST of
health care by promoting preventative
care and educating our communities
on health issues
Pathology
Daniel Schraith, M.D.
Podiatry
Heather Chestelson, D.P.M.
Psychiatry
Katie Fassbinder, M.D.
Martha Karlstad, M.D.
VMH Events Schedule.
Rheumatology
Sharon Barnhart, MSN, APNP
Radiology
Carl Decker, M.D.
Pearse Derrig, M.D.
Barbara Knisely, M.D.
David Lautz, M.D.
Paul Leehey, M.D.
Brian Manske, M.D.
Andrew Meade, M.D.
Anna Myklebust, M.D.
Mark Nigogosyan, M.D.
John Pape, M.D.
Ewa Plagman, M.D.
Cameron Roberts, M.D.
Jedadiah Schaller, M.D.
Lonnie Simmons, M.D.
Paul Stanton, M.D.
Daniel Wolbrink, M.D.
Urology
Marvin VanEvery, M.D.
Pink is the New Orange: Fall Bus Tour
October
Saturday, October 4th, 2014. 9am.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Friends of VMH will be hosting a Ladies Day Out
bus tour of local establishments including cafés and wineries. Tickets are $10 each. Contact Jessie
Cunningham to book your tickets. [email protected] - (608) 637-4244.
4
The Bland Bekkedal Hospice Gala
October
Thursday, October 30th, 2014. 5pm - late. Old Towne Inn, Westby.
To celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care, VMH
is inviting the community to join us for a night of food and entertainment. For more information
contact The Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care at (608) 637-4362
30
24th Annual Holiday Craft Show
December
Thursday, December 4th, 2014. 9am-4pm. Viroqua Area Medical Office Building, Lower Level.
Now in its 24th year the VMH annual holiday craft show is a great event which showcases local crafts,
food and gifts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find some unique gifts and decorations for the holiday
season. Interested vendors are asked to contact Phyllis Malin [email protected] to sign-up.
4
2
VMH Spotlight on Health
www.vmh.org
PRIORities
Dealing with a runny nose
Reach for a hankie, not antibiotics
Runny noses have been bothering
people forever. You’d think an
ailment that has been around for that
long would be simple to treat, but
unfortunately that is not the case.
There are many ways to treat a
runny nose. The treatment you should
choose depends on the cause of the
runny nose—and there are many.
The most common infectious
cause is a respiratory virus. There are
many viruses, including the common
cold, croup, influenza and bronchitis,
that all cause respiratory symptoms.
The key is realizing that all these
illnesses are caused by viruses. There
is no cure for viruses and antibiotics
do not work against them. Thus,
antibiotics should not be prescribed—
they are not going to treat the illness.
Plus inappropriate use of antibiotics
causes antibiotic resistant bacteria.
We need antibiotics to be
reserved for bacterial infections. The
more exposure to antibiotics, the
more resistance bacteria can develop
and ultimately the harder it is to treat
bacterial infections. We now have
“superbugs” that are resistant to many
types of antibiotics, which make them
more difficult or, in some unique
cases, impossible to treat. Overuse of
antibiotics has played a large role in
this process.
So how do you know that you
have a viral infection? Sometimes it
can be very difficult. Viruses can make
us feel miserable with congestion, sore
throats, fever, burning eyes, coughing,
sneezing and muscle aching. Testing
can guide us at times—for example,
influenza testing or RSV testing. Usually
the history of the illness, including the
symptom onset, the length of illness
and the severity of symptoms can aid
the health care provider in deciding a
diagnosis. Remember, viruses can still
cause misery and symptoms can last
10 to 14 days. It’s out of your hands—
you are not going to recover in a couple
of days.
That’s not to say you can’t do
things to help you feel better. Rest is
very important when recovering from a
virus. Symptom relief can be provided
by gargling, warm drinks, ice or
lozenges for a sore throat; nasal saline
spray, Neti pots or decongestants for
nasal congestion; cool mist vaporizer/
humidifier or steam from the shower
or a hot bowl of water for coughs;
and over-the-counter pain relievers
like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for
headaches, muscle aches and fever.
Antibiotics can be life saving in
the right circumstances. Let’s keep
them that way by providing good
stewardship and not using them
inappropriately.
Another cause of runny noses is
allergic antigens. Some people suffer
from allergies all year long, while
“”
We need antibiotics to be reserved for
bacterial infections. The more exposure to
antibiotics, the more resistance bacteria
can develop...
“”
Deborah Prior, M.D.
Hirsch Clinic, VMH
Fall 2014
others have symptoms based on
whatever is growing at a certain time.
In the late summer/early fall we start
seeing ragweed as the cause.
Some people can help their
symptoms
by
decreasing
their
exposure.
Sometimes
over-thecounter antihistamines are helpful.
Some patients require prescription
medication or even allergy shots to
treat their symptoms. Treatment often
depends on the severity of symptoms
and response to treatment. There are
times when allergy testing is required
to guide treatment.
A less common cause of a
runny nose is vasomotor rhinitis or
nonallergic rhinitis. The underlying
cause is not well understood, but it’s
not caused by an allergic reaction.
A runny nose can be triggered by
environmental irritants like perfumes,
cleaning solutions or glues. Some
food or beverages, especially hot or
spicy foods, can also cause symptoms.
Cold air or changes in the weather
can precipitate it, as well as hormonal
changes, like what occur during
pregnancy.
Avoiding known triggers can help
clear up symptoms. Nasal irrigation
can also be helpful to some. Otherwise
you may have to resort to being a
“damsel in distress” and carry a hankie.
So keep in mind, even though
runny noses are common, they are not
necessarily simple.
When In Doubt, Sit It Out
CONCUSSIONS: YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST
Kevin Hoy
Marketing, VMH
The excitement of competition,
the passion for the game, the thrill of
victory—they’re all reasons why we
love sports.
But those reasons also lead some
athletes to push the envelope when it
comes to head injuries.
“I think some kids just want to
play. They are competitive individuals
who love sports, work hard, and don’t
want to let their family, teammates
and friends down,” said Fean Wagner,
one of five licensed athletic trainers
with Vernon Memorial Healthcare
who oversee athletes from local school
districts.
Concussions are different from
many other injuries because symptoms
aren’t always visible. In fact, experts
point out that a person does not
need to lose consciousness to suffer
a concussion. However, athletes and
coaches need to take them as serious,
or even more so, as something like a
broken bone or sprained ligament.
“Athletes should be honest and
report their symptoms to parents,
licensed athletic trainers and coaches,”
said Nicole Robinson, a licensed
athletic trainer (LAT) at VMH for
12 years. “[They] should follow the
instructions given to them to minimize
the length of time that they are away
from regular classroom and athletic
participation.”
Vernon Memorial Healthcare
offers the ImPACT test to individuals
who do not have access to baseline
testing through their school. The
cognitive, computer-based evaluation
measures verbal and visual memory,
processing speed and reaction
time—which are all skills that would
be affected by a concussion. VMH
providers give post-testing to those
individuals who suffer a concussion.
It is another tool, in addition to a
provider’s examination, that helps
assess and manage concussions.
The goal is to make the return from a
concussion as safe as possible for a
student.
“If they have an event during the
season, we have something that we
can reflect back on to see how their
current scores after the injury compare
to their scores in the baseline test,”
said Dr. Brian Woody, one of four
Vernon Memorial Healthcare providers
that have gone through additional
concussion training in order to
understand more about patients’ head
injuries.
If it turns out the athlete does
have a concussion, their first stop
should be to their health care provider.
The provider will make sure the athlete
is not having headaches or showing
any other symptoms.
Once symptoms are clear, the
athlete works with an athletic trainer
to get them back up to speed. The
athlete starts out with running, usually
light jogging in the beginning, before
moving on to sports-related activities.
The final hurdle is another visit to
their health care provider to get final
clearance to return to action.
“What we want to make sure is
when kids go back to play they’re ready
and that their symptoms are clear
and they’re okay to go back,” said Dr.
Woody. “If you go back too soon, there’s
more of a chance of causing long-term
problems.”
Research on the effects of severe
head injuries has brought the issue to
the forefront over the last few decades.
The licensed athletic trainers at VMH
have noticed a big change in how
concussions are seen in the public eye.
“It wasn’t long ago that
concussions were viewed as a ‘fake’
injury that athletes should just
toughen up and play through,” said
Wagner, the licensed athletic trainer
for the Kickapoo and La Farge school
districts. “Probably in the last five years
or so the word has gotten out about
how serious concussions really are,
and the focus now has been getting
proper education, evaluation and
rehabilitation.”
“Concussions have been the hot
topic for the past several years, and I
believe that the population as a whole
is more aware and knowledgeable
about head injuries,” said Delaney
Simon, VMH’s LAT for the Viroqua
School District.
Researchers are learning more
about concussions every day, and
the method of treating them is ever
evolving. It will always be most
important to put your health before
your passion for the game.
“You have a long, healthy and
successful life ahead of you,” said Scott
McNeil, VMH’s LAT, Westby School
District. “It isn’t worth risking to play
in a single game or event that, in the
grand scheme of things, will mean very
little.”
Vernon Memorial Healthcare
offers ImPACT testing for $20 to
interested individuals ages 10-59 years
old who do not have access to baseline
testing. For more information or to
schedule a baseline ImPACT test please
contact Nicole Robinson at (608) 6374385 or [email protected].
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3
Headache
Nausea
Dizzy or unsteady
Sensitive to light
and noise
Feeling mentally
foggy
Dazed or stunned
appearance
Change in the level
of consciousness or
awareness
Confused about
assignments
• Forgets plays
• Unsure of score,
game or opponent
• Clumsy
• Answers more
slowly than usual
• Shows behavior
changes
• Loss of
consciousness
• Asks repetative
questions or has
memory concerns
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
VMH Spotlight on Health
OUR CLOSEST
FRIENDS
VMH’s success is testament to
60 years of unrivalled support
from its closest friends
The VMH Auxiliary making sheets for the hospital.
The year was 1950. Viroqua’s
hospital was located in a renovated
house on East Avenue. A new Main
Street hospital was in the planning
stages, and a group of 36 local women
knew their help was needed. On March
12th of that year, the Women’s Hospital
Guild was founded. Mrs. Beatrice
Jacobson was President, Mrs. Louise
DeLap the Vice-President and Mrs.
Naomi Peterson served as secretary/
treasurer. Their goal was to provide
volunteer service to the hospital and
improve public relations.
Clara Bekkedal and R.A. Power
Volunteer service in those early
years was much different than it is
today. This excerpt from the September
13, 1951 Auxiliary archives tells the
story – “The Auxiliary, 80 strong,
descended on the hospital at about
8:30am. They carried vacuum cleaners,
pails, scrub brushes and everything
needed for a good housecleaning.
Floors were scrubbed, windows
washed, woodwork polished. When
the women were finished, the hospital
glistened.”
By 1954, membership had
grown to 125 and the Women’s
Hospital Guild joined the Wisconsin
Hospital Association and became the
Vernon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Rummage and bake sales, bazaars
and fall festivals became the major
fundraising projects. These events
helped the auxiliary pledge $1,000
for the new hospital maternity wing,
provide medical books for nurses,
offer a library cart service to patients,
purchase furniture and equipment
and host Christmas teas for hospital
personnel. Members spent their
time sewing bed sheets and hanging
draperies.
The Auxiliary was joined by
various other women’s groups in
Vernon County to help provide food
for hospital inpatients. The women
spent time canning and freezing
food from their gardens to help stock
the hospital’s kitchen. Eventually,
a scholarship program for nursing
students was established.
Two decades later, in 1975, the
first gift shop opened. Mary Mockrud
and Olga Guell were the volunteer
workers for the day. That same gift shop
remains in existence in the main lobby
of the hospital. Still staffed completely
by volunteers, it is the main source of
revenue for The Friends of VMH.
The VMH Auxiliary became
known as The Friends of VMH in
2006. The work performed by the
group has also changed over the
years, but the contributions made
are still invaluable. Members, now
both women and men, continue to
volunteer throughout the hospital and
clinics. They participate in district and
state meetings and leadership events
hosted by the Partners of Wisconsin
Hospital Association, or WHA. The
organization received a Wisconsin
Award for Volunteer Excellence in 2011.
“”
The Auxiliary, 80 strong, descended on the hostpital... They
carried vacuum cleaners, pails, scrub brushes and everything
needed for a good housecleaning. Floors were scrubbed,
windows washed, woodwork polished. When the women were
finished, the hospital glistened.
“”
Veronica Tresner
& Julie Steiner
Friends of VMH
Auxiliary Archives, September 13th, 1951.
Over the past ten years The
the camaraderie that comes from call Diane Brown, President at (608)
Friends of VMH has contributed
being a part of something important. 627-1543 or Phyllis Malin, Presidenthundreds of thousands of dollars
The group holds regular meetings Elect at (608) 632-4655. New members
to Vernon Memorial Hospital. This
on the second Monday of the month are always welcome.
funding included $50,000 toward the
from October through May in the
construction of The Bland Bekkedal
community rooms on the lower level
Center for Hospice Care, startof the hospital. Dues are only $20 per
up money to establish VMH as a
year.
regional training center for medical
Men and women interested in
professionals, funding for a birthing
joining the organization are invited to
bed for the VMH Birthing Center and
a new sound system for
the &VMH
Hirsch Clinic
Wellness Center
Bland Clinic
Family Practice
Complimentary Medicine
Conference Center. In addition,
funding from The Friends of VMH has
provided various pieces of equipment
to the VMH clinics, as well as many
areas throughout the organization,
including the Nursing and Wellness
Departments and The Grille. All
of this was, and continues
to be,
Viroqua Center for Orthopaedic Surgery
La Farge Medical Clinic
Outpatient Specialty Care
Kickapoo Valley Medical Center
accomplished using money raised in
the gift shop and through fundraising
events like geranium sales, bake sales,
craft shows, soup and salad luncheons,
brat sales, chili cook-offs and The
Lovelight program. In addition, The
Food & Nutrition Services
Friends of VMH continues to provide
yearly scholarships for students
entering the health care industry.
The Friends of VMH are vibrant,
involved people who strive to make
a difference in local health care and
The Friends of VMH
their community. They also enjoy
Join VMH’s Volunteer Network.
4
VMH Spotlight on Health
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
Dizzy? Vestibular Rehabilitation could help stop the
room spinning
Do you experience dizziness
when rolling over in bed? Lying down
in bed? Bending over? Looking up? Do
you feel off balance while walking or
standing?
If you answered yes to any of
these questions, you may benefit from
scheduling an appointment with one
of the physical therapists at Vernon
Memorial Healthcare who specialize in
vestibular rehabilitation.
Dizziness and imbalance are
common symptoms in adults reported
to their physician during routine
doctor visits.
Dizziness can be caused by
many different sources, but as many
as 45 percent of people with dizziness
symptoms have problems with their
vestibular system; the balance organs
of the inner ear.
What is
Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an
exercise–based program designed to
decrease or eliminate symptoms of
dizziness and imbalance associated
with inner ear disorders.
Exercises vary depending on the
type of inner ear disorder. They may
include coordinating movements of
your eyes and head, desensitization
exercises for motion sensitivity and
exercises to improve balance and
walking.
Vestibular rehabilitation can
help with a variety of inner ear
disorders including the following:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
(BPPV) or “displacement of ear rocks
in your inner ear”, reduced inner ear
function in one or both ears caused
from Meniere’s disease, vestibular
labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, fear
of falling or a history of falls.
The physical therapist will
perform an extensive evaluation
that takes a comprehensive medical
history of your symptoms and how
they affect your daily life. It will include
an occulomotor examination, which
Vestibular Therapy at VMH
Vernon Memorial Healthcare
has four physical therapists that treat
patients with vestibular deficits. Two
of the physical therapists, Michelle
Willis and Katie Schwarz have recently
become
Herdman
Certified
in
vestibular rehabilitation.
Willis and Schwarz attended a six
day advanced level competency course
“”
45%
of people with dizziness symptoms
have problems with their vestibular
system; the balance organs of the
inner ear.
“”
Katie Schwarz PT, MPT, CLT
Physical Therapist, VMH
Michelle Willis PT, MSPT
Physical Therapist, VMH
includes use of infrared video goggles
to assess for BPPV. It will also include
an assessment of your balance and
walking.
Treatment will then be based on
the physical therapists assessment.
The exercises prescribed will depend
on your symptoms and how these
symptoms affect your daily life.
For example, if you have BPPV,
the physical therapist may perform a
canal–repositioning maneuver.
If you have a vestibular
hypofunction, the physical therapist
may provide exercises for balance and
gaze stabilization.
If you have a fear of falling or
history of falls, the physical therapist
will provide exercises for balance and
falls prevention.
(left to right) Physical Therapists Kathryn Anderson (Manager), Michelle
Willis, Katie Schwarz and Derek Waddell.
for vestibular rehabilitation at the
Emory Conference Center in Atlanta,
GA in late March 2014.
Michelle Willis and Katie Schwarz
have been treating patients for more
than a decade combined.
If you feel you may benefit from
vestibular rehabilitation, please contact
your medical provider for a vestibular
rehab referral, if you have any questions
regarding vestibular therapy you can
contact physical therapy directly at
(608) 637-4385.
The Bistro completes rennovation
Dan Howard
Marketing, VMH
The new look Bistro.
The latest renovation project to
be completed at VMH is The Bistro, a
small restaurant serving simple meals
with a taste of home.
The new facility opened its doors
to VMH staff and the public on July
19th, 2014. The Bistro is decorated in a
modern mix of warm and neutral tones
with comfortable seating and booths.
It also features a television, allowing
patrons to catch up on the days news.
Staff and the general public are
5
not the only ones who will benefit
from the remodeling. Included in the
updates are additions to the kitchen,
which also serves the entire inpatient
population and their guests.
“With the addition of some new
pieces of equipment we were able to
add items to the inpatient menu such
as individual pizzas, milkshakes and
malts,” said Lynn Edwards, Interim
Food & Nutrition Services Manager.
The
renovation
is
also
complimented further with the
development of a brand new inpatient
menu
and
specialty
nutrition
literature. These improvements aim
to educate and inform patients with
specialized and more sensitive dietary
needs such as diabetes, heart disease
or gluten allergies.
“The VMH mission is about
providing the patient with quality care
and an exceptional experience. This
is evident in the improvements we
have made during the Bistro project.
We want to provide great quality,
nutritious, home cooked food. Food
which doesn’t fall under the typical
standard of ‘hospital food’ but is more
aligned with the quality of food you
would expect from a restaurant or
bistro,” Edwards said.
The Bistro also operates a fresh
vending area, which provides fresh
food items such as sandwiches, wraps,
bagels and juice around the clock for
VMH’s evening and night shift staff.
Further improvements are in the
pipeline including being able to accept
credit and debit cards at the register
starting October 1st.
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
VMH Spotlight on Health
BREAKING GROUND
IN LA FARGE
Community turns out to usher in a new future
for health care in La Farge, WI
VMH CEO Kyle Bakkum talks about the importance of local medical care.
Dr. Sedgwick talks about La Farge’s future.
Dr. DeLine reminisces about the clinic’s history.
The plans for the new clinic were on display for the public.
VMH CEO Kyle Bakkum with VMH AACO Dan Nelson.
Over 100 people joined VMH for the groundbreaking ceremony.
Dr. DeLine and the La Farge Medical Staff soften up the ground.
The La Farge Medical Staff is excited about the future home of medical care in La Farge.
6
VMH Spotlight on Health
www.vmh.org
LIVING WITH DIABETES
VMH FOUNDATION
AWARDS 7 SCHOLARSHIPS
Diabetic Education
Program Gives
Patients Valuable
Information
The Vernon Memorial Healthcare
Foundation and the Friends of VMH
offer scholarships to individuals
pursuing or furthering their education
in the health care field.
Patient Mark Sandmire with VMH Diabetic Educator Rikki Sprosty, RN.
“”
One thing I
learned... is that
it’s not a death
sentence to have
diabetes
“”
Mark Sandmire,
Patient, VMH Diabetic Education.
Memorial Healthcare to get his health
back on track. The program offers
knowledge and life skills to people who
are dealing with diabetes so they can
better manage the condition on their
own.
“Our goal is to get patients to
commit to caring for themselves and
provide them with the resources and
support needed to assist them in
meeting their health related goals,” said
Rikki Sprosty, a Registered Nurse and
Diabetic Educator at Vernon Memorial
Healthcare. “We assist patients in
understanding diabetes, preventing or
delaying chronic complications, and
using nutrition, physical activity, and
medications to manage this chronic
condition.”
Patients can take part in
individual and group classes that
cover the emotions associated with
diabetes, establishing a support
network, blood glucose monitoring,
taking medications, meal planning
and other information that can help
someone live well with diabetes. The
group sessions last two hours and are
held once per week for four weeks.
“One thing I learned from Rikki
and the program is that it’s not a death
sentence to have diabetes. You can
help yourself by doing the things that
you should be doing,” Sandmire said.
“You yourself have to be willing
to do something,” said Joe McDonald,
who was diagnosed with Type 2
diabetes in 2011. “The environment
here gives you the opportunity to be
successful.”
McDonald’s journey to the
Diabetic Education Program began
seven months ago—a couple of
weeks after he was diagnosed with
pneumonia. He wasn’t feeling well, so
he went to the emergency room.
“From there they threw me into
the hospital overnight because they
thought I was having cardiac arrest.
That was probably my wake-up call,”
he remembered.
McDonald was introduced to the
Diabetic Education Program while
he was participating in the Fresh
Start Program at VMH. Fresh Start is a
comprehensive clinic evaluation and
management program designed for
people at risk for, or diagnosed with,
a chronic disease. The two programs
have helped him fight diabetes each
and every day.
“In the environment here you can
sit and have an hour dialogue. There
In
collaboration,
Vernon
Memorial Healthcare and Center Point
Counseling Services Cooperative are
excited to introduce Martha Karlstad,
M.D. to our communities.
“I have the privilege to join two
outstanding organizations nestled
in Viroqua. I accepted an invitation
to become a part of an innovative
collaboration between Hirsch ClinicVMH and Center Point Counseling
Services Cooperative. I am part of an
outstanding team of providers at both
organizations; both striving to meet
the needs of the community.”
Martha provides consultation, and
facilitates medication management for
Graduate of UW-La Crosse, Brooke is currently
employed on weekends as a Rehabilitation Aide in the
Physical Therapy Department at VMH.
In 2014, Brooke will enter her 2nd year at Western
Technical College to complete her degree in Respiratory
Therapy before moving on to obtain her Bachelor of Science
in Pulmonary Science from Concordia University.
Brooke currently lives in La Farge with her husband
and son.
Caitlin Malin
Currently enrolled in a degree in Theraputic Recreation
from UW-La Crosse, Caitlin is looking to pursue a career as
a Child Life Specialist.
Caitlin was inspired to follow this line of work by
a Child Life Specialist who had worked closely with her
brother as he battled leukemia.
A relentless volunteer, Caitlin looks to spend some
time volunteering abroad after graduation in 2015.
Cassandra Steadman
Patient Joe McDonald with VMH
Diabetic Educator Rikki Sprosty, RN.
is so much passive information that
is passed back and forth that has way
more value for me than an office call,”
he said. “I tell people that I’m not on a
diet, I’m on a lifestyle change crusade.”
For Sandmire and McDonald,
that crusade is just beginning. Both
admit they have made strides, but are
a long way from their goals. However,
those goals have become a little
clearer and more reachable because
of their experience with the Diabetic
Education Program.
The Diabetic Education Program
will be offering free support groups
on the last Wednesday of each month
starting in October from 2pm-3pm,
in the Viroqua Area Medical Office
Building Conference Room-Lower
Level. The support groups will cover
a new topic each month in hopes of
making people more knowledgeable
and comfortable with their condition.
For more information on the
Diabetic Education Program, contact
Rikki Sprosty by phone at (608) 6374483 or by email at [email protected].
Martha Karlstad, M.D.
New Mental Health provider, Hirsch Clinic &
Center Point Counseling Services Cooperative
Martha Karlstad, M.D.
This year, seven applicants have
been selected to receive funding to
help them with their education.
Congratulations to the 2014
Scholarship recipients.
Brooke Bakken
Kevin Hoy
Marketing, VMH
Mark Sandmire faced a long
recovery after having rotator cuff
surgery in November of 2013, but
he had no idea that his recuperation
would lead to a lifelong battle.
“I had been doing the physical
therapy, but I hadn’t been watching
what I was eating, so I probably put
on 30 pounds in the time that I was off
[work],” he said.
When Sandmire went back to
work after three months of rest and
rehabilitation, he started experiencing
some vision problems. He couldn’t see
across the room, let alone the people
working nearby.
He decided to see an eye doctor to
identify the problem—but it wasn’t his
eyes that were the problem. Sandmire
found out he was one of the nearly
30 million Americans with diabetes.
The blurriness of his vision had been
brought on by the chronic condition.
He and his doctor knew changes
needed to be made.
“When your doctor tells you that
you need to lose weight and you need
to get better at things because you’re
going to die, that gets you focused on
things,” he said.
Sandmire turned to the Diabetic
Education Program offered at Vernon
Fall 2014
children, adolescents, and adults at
either location.
She holds a medical degree from
the University of Nebraska, College
of Medicine, and completed her
psychiatry residency and Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
at the Medical University of South
Carolina. Martha’s areas of particular
expertise include care of behavioral
issues, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar
disorder, psychosis, and adolescent
substance use disorders.
“I look forward to meeting you
and working together to build healthier
communities.”
7
Cassandra is currently employed at VMH as a Clinical
Dietitian, providing both inpatient and outpatient nutrition
services.
Armed with a real passion for what she does at VMH,
Cassandra embraces all of the challenges posed by clinical
dietetics.
In 2014, Cassandra will pursue a Master’s Degree
in Nutrition and Dietetics through Central Michigan
University.
Courtney Stilwell
A student of Viterbo University, Courtney is pursuing a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an anticipated
graduation date of May 2015, after which she hopes to work
as a Registered Nurse in a hospital setting.
Courtney displays a devoted attitude to service having
been active in her community. In February 2015, Courtney
will expand her volunteerism to Guatemala where she will
work with an underserved population.
Erin Scherer-DeRosa
A former graduate of UW-La Crosse, Erin has been
working at VMH as a Physical Therapist for the last five
years, working with Athletic Trainers and Orthopaedic
Physicians.
Erin was inspired to pursue a role in health care after
experiencing back to back ACL reconstructions during her
mid-teens and experiencing first-hand just what physical
therapy can do for patients.
Kaitlyn Kanis
Kaitlyn is a second year student pursuing a Nursing
degree with Viterbo University, which she expects to
complete in May 2016.
Currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at
Bethany Riverside in La Crosse, Kaitlyn plans on staying in
the area after graduation with the hopes of providing health
care in a small town setting with a focus on pediatrics.
Katee Heisel
A student of UW-Oshkosh, Katee is pursuing a Medical
Technology major and Chemistry minor.
Katee was inspired to follow a path into health care by
idolizing her mother, who is a nurse. This infectious desire
to help people, coupled with a love of the T.V. show “CSILas Vegas”, developed her interest in forensic pathology and
medical technology.
Katee looks to further her education even more after
graduating in 2015.
The VMH Foundation, The Friends of VMH and the entire VMH Family wish
all of our scholarship winners the very best in their future education.
www.vmh.org
Breast Cancer through my eyes
Julie Steiner
Patient, VMH
Six months after retiring from
Vernon Memorial Healthcare I found
myself dumbfounded by news that I
was among the one in every six women
who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Shocked, somewhat speechless, and
scared is how I would best describe
my initial reaction to the disconcerting
news.
I’ll begin my story back in 2011,
when I felt a small lump in the upper,
outer quadrant of my left breast during
a breast self-exam. I scheduled an
appointment with my primary care
provider, Dr. Rolando Macasaet at
Hirsch Clinic-VMH. His examination
and a subsequent mammogram and
breast ultrasound, led to a diagnosis
of a breast cyst—a fluid-filled
sack—something that usually is not
cancerous.
I recall the cyst feeling squishy,
like the texture of a grape or waterfilled balloon. I learned that cysts are
common in women before menopause,
and I was instructed to continue to pay
attention to the cyst and be aware of
any significant changes.
Fast forward to early 2014, when
I noticed the cyst had become firmer,
grown larger and was, on occasion,
tender. I recall wondering if the change
was significant enough that I should
have it checked out or if I was just a bit
paranoid. After putting off a medical
appointment for a couple of months, I
decided I should have the cyst checked
again, if nothing more than to ease my
mind.
On May 9th I met with Dr.
Macasaet. He concurred that there
were in fact significant changes in
the cyst. A mammogram and breast
ultrasound was scheduled a few days
later. It was May 14th when I received
the dreaded news from Dr. Macasaet
that I likely had breast cancer.
We discussed a couple of options;
Fall 2014
Breast Cancer Awareness Special
Julie Steiner with her grandson, Mason.
do a breast biopsy and remove a small
piece of breast tissue to determine if
cancer was present before scheduling
any additional surgical procedure; or
perform a lumpectomy and remove
the suspected cancerous tumor right
away.
Given the high odds that the
lump was cancerous, I chose to have
the lumpectomy to help confirm the
diagnosis of cancer or rule it out.
A lumpectomy removes the
cancer and abnormal tissue from
the breast. It is considered a breastconserving or breast-sparing surgery
because—unlike a mastectomy—only
a portion of the breast is removed.
During a lumpectomy, a small amount
of normal tissue around the lump is
also taken to help ensure that all the
cancer or other abnormal tissue is
removed.
Dr. Macasaet informed me
that recent studies indicate that a
lumpectomy followed by radiation is as
effective a treatment as removal of the
entire breast (mastectomy) for women
with early-stage breast cancer. I felt at
ease when I learned that Dr. Macasaet
was more than willing to perform this
same day surgical procedure at VMH.
My lumpectomy was performed
two days later on May 16th. I felt
fortunate that the surgery could
happen so quickly, leaving me with
less time to worry about the potential
outcome or likelihood of cancer.
Dr. Macasaet arranged for the use
of a gamma ray probe from Gundersen
Health System to assist him with a
sentinel lymph node biopsy that would
be performed in conjunction with the
lumpectomy.
The sentinel node is the first
lymph node to receive drainage
from a cancer-containing region of
the breast. If breast cancer begins to
spread, the first place it will reach is
the sentinel lymph node. A sentinel
lymph node biopsy helps determine if
the cancer within the breast has spread
to the axillary lymph nodes, which are
located underneath the arm.
To do this procedure, a radiologist
injects a small dose of a low-level
radioactive tracer into the nipple of
the breast where the tumor is present.
The radioactive fluid can be traced
using a gamma ray probe, which helps
the surgeon locate the sentinel node
without an invasive operation. Once
the sentinel node is located, a minor
incision is made and one to three
nodes are removed. Then the lymph
nodes are reviewed by a pathologist
to determine if they show signs of
cancerous growth. In my case, the
tumor was cancerous, but the lymph
nodes showed no signs of cancer.
When a lumpectomy reveals
cancer, the surgery is usually followed
by radiation therapy to reduce
the chances of cancer returning.
Chemotherapy is also recommended
in some cases. Appointments were
made for me at Gundersen Health
System to meet with both medical and
radiation oncologists to determine the
next course of treatment.
Because of the large size and grade
of my tumor, the oncologists suggested
that I consider an Oncotype DX test.
This test analyzes the DNA of the
tumor and compares it to my normal
DNA to help predict the likelihood
of reoccurrence and whether or not
chemotherapy would be beneficial.
I recall thinking how amazing it is
that advancements in medicine allow
doctors to tailor therapy to the DNA
changes in cancer, rather than using
the same drugs and treatment for all
patients with a given type of cancer.
I was hopeful that the test would
be conclusive and that I would not
need chemotherapy, but my test result
fell within an inconclusive range,
leaving the decision to me as to how I
would like to proceed. Because there
was no cancer in the lymph nodes and
my reoccurrence score was closer to
the lower end of the scale, I opted to
forego chemotherapy but participate
in radiation therapy. My medical
oncologist supported my decision.
Once healed from surgery, I began
radiation therapy at Gundersen Health
System in La Crosse on July 15th. My
radiation oncologist prescribed a total
of 33 treatments, which would occur
daily, Monday through Friday, over the
course of 7 weeks.
At 7:50 each morning I lie on my
back on a table with my arms above
my head while the 10 to 15 minute
radiation treatment takes place. I am
fortunate that I am able to tolerate the
side effects of radiation, which include
skin redness and sensitivity similar
to sunburn, mild breast swelling and
some minor blistering and breaks in
the skin during weeks five and six of
my treatment.
I cannot say enough about the
excellent care that I received both at
VMH for my surgery and at Gundersen
Health System for my radiation
therapy. I was very comfortable having
my surgery at VMH, trusting that the
staff I had worked with for 14 years
would provide me with “So Much
Care, So Close.” I wasn’t disappointed.
I recall entering the VMH Surgery
Center and the staff greeted me
warmly, saying they were glad to see
me (but not under the circumstances).
My privacy as a patient was never a
concern. It was respected from the
moment I walked in the front door.
A few hours after surgery I was home
resting comfortably, and the next day
I received a follow-up telephone call
from the nursing staff.
While
undergoing
radiation
therapy at Gundersen Health System’s
East Building, the radiation therapists
were always eager to greet me and
make sure I was okay. They always took
a personal interest in my daily activities
and made sure that I was comfortable
before starting each treatment. When
they noticed a breakdown of skin
under my arm and breast, they were
quick to arrange for me to see a nurse
to help with skin care.
Throughout my treatment I chose
to remain positive and cooperative.
Breast cancer is a treatable disease. I
placed my focus on continuing to do all
of the summer activities I enjoy doing
with family and friends; gardening,
golfing, fishing, cooking, playing with
my grandson and spending time with
friends and family were all priorities.
Having my husband drive
me to La Crosse each morning for
seven weeks wasn’t necessarily an
inconvenience, it just started our busy
days a little earlier than normal. I am
fortunate to be surrounded by family
and friends who are always caring and
concerned and willing to help in any
way they can.
Breast cancer has not damaged
or changed who I am; rather it has
allowed me to appreciate my life and
retirement even more.
Infusing Care With Love
Kevin Hoy
Marketing, VMH
It’s celebration day for Alice
Diehl—the day she goes through the
last of nine sessions of preventative
chemotherapy.
Alice’s battle with cancer started
in August of 2013, when she was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She
went through chemotherapy to shrink
her tumor before undergoing five weeks
of radiation therapy. Then, nearly eight
months after her diagnosis, Alice had
successful surgery and was given good
news—the pathologist report came
back negative for pancreatic cancer.
“I was pretty lucky, one of the
lucky ones according to the doctors,”
she remembered. “But my cancer
doctor decided I should have some
preventative chemo.”
Alice
underwent
her
first
preventative chemotherapy in La
Crosse before going through her final
eight rounds at VMH Infusion Therapy.
When she was first diagnosed in 2013,
she had no idea that chemotherapy
was even offered in Viroqua.
“I wasn’t really sure what to
expect to be honest. I’ve just been very
overwhelmed with their procedures
here and the way they take care of you,”
said Alice, who lives in West Prairie, just
nine miles southwest of Viroqua. “They
are very accommodating. They try to
make you feel comfortable while you’re
getting your treatment.”
A
typical
chemotherapy
appointment for Alice starts with a
check of her blood. Then she sees a
provider to make sure her blood counts
are at the proper level for treatment.
From there it’s up to the third floor
of the Viroqua Area Medical Office
Building, where she gets the treatment
in her own room.
“Once I check in at the front desk,
it isn’t long until they’re out to get me
and bring me back to a comfy chair for
the treatment,” said Alice. “Everything
seems to be working very good as far as
clockwork.”
Alice
spends
about
two
hours at VMH for her preventative
chemotherapy
appointments—her
pre-surgery treatments took around
six hours. She compares notes with a
friend who has been going through
her own chemotherapy in Rochester.
It takes Alice’s friend hours to get to
her appointments, while Alice is just a
matter of minutes away.
“I’m extra happy coming here
because of the convenience and the
time it saves me,” she said. “I just think
that it’s great for the people in this
community and surrounding areas
that use this. I think we’re just very
fortunate.”
Alice feels fortunate that she had
a positive experience at VMH Infusion
Therapy, but now she’s excited to spend
some extra time with her family.
“I think that our children and
myself will probably go out to eat this
weekend to celebrate.”
8
VMH Patient Alice Diehl with VMH Infusion Therapist Becky Ludovice, RN.
Vernon Memorial offers infusion
therapy services to improve the quality
of life on an outpatient basis. These
are some of the services offered by
the Infusion Therapy Department:
antibiotics/anti-infective
agents,
biologic infusion, fluid replacements,
single
dose
injections/infusions,
hydration therapy, Peripherally Inserted
Central Catheters (PICC), blood product
transfusions, chemotherapy, wound
therapy, dressing changes, laboratory
work and catheter changes. A physician’s
order is required for infusion therapy.
Prostate cancer detection
James DeLine, M.D.
La Farge Medical Clinic, VMH
The early diagnosis and treatment
of cancer in an attempt to cure has
been an important focus of research
and patient care throughout recent
history. This is true as well for prostate
cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second
most frequent cause of cancer death
in men. Significant strides have been
made in early detection and treatment.
However questions remain about the
application of these advances to the
individual man in the community.
PSA screening has been available
for over 25 years. It clearly identifies
prostate cancer at an earlier stage.
Early treatment is effective in curing
or controlling the disease in most
patients. Death rates from prostate
cancer are declining in the US while
the population of men is getting older.
Yet there is significant controversy
regarding screening men for prostate
cancer.
The United States Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF) gives
prostate cancer screening a “D” rating
– “no evidence of benefit; likely causes
harm.” The American Urological
Association (AUA) advises considering
every 1 – 2 year PSA screening in men
starting at age 55, continuing until age
70 or until anticipated life span is less
than ten years. The American Cancer
Society (ACS) advises discussing
screening PSA with their physician
beginning at age 50 (younger in certain
patients with a family history). So how
does one make sense of it all.
First it is important to distinguish
between screening of asymptomatic
men and evaluation and early
treatment of men with symptoms. I
will focus primarily on the screening
of asymptomatic men for prostate
cancer.
The USPSTF generally gives
the most conservative guidelines
regarding screening. They are a panel
whose charge is to give unbiased
recommendations to the nation based
strictly on the evidence. Appropriately
they are cautious and their guidance is
a good starting point on any issue.
The AUA is an organization made
up of urologists. While they studied
the same evidence as the USPSTF,
their conclusions were in favor of PSA
screening. While one might assume
that this organization is biased in favor
of testing and treatment, urologists
also see many patients with advanced
and terminal prostate cancer. Their
preference towards screening and
treatment reflects this reality.
The American Cancer Society
supports an individualized approach
considering overall health, personal
values, and family history.
Yearly
PSA
testing
in
asymptomatic men starting at age
50 (or earlier in some men with a
significant family history) has been
demonstrated to find cancer at an
earlier stage.
Most patients detected in this
fashion have early disease which
is curable with radiation or radical
prostatectomy (complete removal of
the prostate gland). Some men with
very little cancer of low aggressiveness
are advised “watchful waiting.”
Recommendations for treatment take
into account age, health status, and
patient preference.
Prostate biopsy, in addition to
clarifying whether there is or is not
cancer, also gives an idea regarding the
aggressiveness of the cancer (Gleason
score). Beyond these indicators on
biopsy, there are no other features
that distinguish which patients will
have progressive disease and which
will never have symptoms from their
cancer.
So while most patients are cured
of their cancer, some of them go
through the difficulties of treatment
with potential for long term side effects
but would never have had symptoms
The studies leading to the current
discordant recommendations are
imperfect and ongoing research will
continue to clarify the issue. The
USPSTF bases its recommendation
against screening primarily on two
studies published in 2012 suggesting
little difference in overall death rate
between screened and unscreened
groups. Critics of these studies
point out that many men in the
“unscreened” group had screening as
PSA testing became more widely used.
In addition the AUA points out that
since widespread PSA screening, death
rates from prostate cancer have been
declining in spite of the aging of the
population.
In my experience, when provided
with this information, most men
approach the question in one of two
ways:
1) some prefer no screening
(given the difference of opinion
between informed clinicians) and
believe “when in doubt, less is better.”
2) others prefer to know and if
they receive a cancer diagnosis, make
a decision regarding treatment using
current available information.
I believe either approach is
reasonable given current state of
knowledge. In general, the case for PSA
Symptoms of prostate problems may include:
Difficulty Urinating, Frequent Urination
or Urinary Tract Infections.
Evaluation by your clinician is appropriate in the presence of these
symptoms.
from the cancer. Trying to understand
which patients are more likely to
develop progressive symptomatic
cancer is an active area of research.
When this is better clarified, treatment
can be focused on those patients more
likely to progress.
Currently radiation and radical
prostatectomy have adverse effects,
especially including varying degrees of
loss of urine control (incontinence) or
impaired sexual function (impotence).
Surgery also has the potential for
complications seen with any surgical
procedure such as blood clots and
infection. As treatment becomes less
aggressive with less side effects, it will
become less worrisome that some
treated patients might never have
developed progressive disease.
This is already occurring with
both radiation and surgery. Minimally
invasive surgical techniques are
decreasing the burden of surgery. In
the future, identifying the involved
areas of the prostate with imaging and
destroying them (rather than removing
the prostate) with cryotherapy
(freezing), thermal ablation (heating),
or high intensity radiation (“gamma
knife”) may be possible, decreasing
side effects further.
screening is weaker in the elderly or
those with poor health. It is stronger in
those with a family history of prostate
cancer, especially occurring in relatives
less than 65 years of age. It is important
to realize that each clinician has their
own insights regarding the risks and
benefits of treatment. Your clinician
can give you additional guidance
taking into account your specific
situation.
The preceding comments apply
to men without any symptoms of
prostate problems. Symptoms of
prostate problems may include
difficulty urinating, frequent urination,
or urinary tract infections. Evaluation
by your clinician is appropriate in the
presence of these symptoms.
This evaluation may include an
examination of the prostate, a PSA test,
and a urinalysis. Referral to a urologist
may be suggested if the findings are
concerning or uncertain. Blood in
the urine should always be evaluated.
It is important to realize that the
controversy regarding PSA testing is in
the group of men without symptoms.
Our knowledge of prostate cancer
continues to advance and treatments
are gradually more effective with less
side effects.
What do Tom Selleck,
Burt Reynolds
and Ron Burgundy
all have in common?
That’s right, they all have a prostate
Dan Howard
Marketing, VMH
the feeling that something is getting
the better of us, so we sweep these
problems under the carpet. This is why
it is important to encourage discussion
around these health issues and we can
start by growing a moustache.
In 2014, more than 233,000
men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer and an estimated 29,500 men
will die from it. In fact, a man is 35
percent more likely to be diagnosed
with prostate cancer than a woman
is to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading
cause of cancer related deaths in men.
However, if detected and treated early,
prostate cancer has a staggering 97
percent success rate.
Testicular cancer is the most
common cancer in American males
between the ages of 15 and 34.
Testicular cancer treatment is so
successful that the risk of dying from
it is now very low; about 1 in 5,000.
However, testicular cancer still claimed
around 380 deaths last year.
Mental illnesses generally have
a low level of awareness in men. That
doesn’t stop over six million being
diagnosed with depression each year.
So, what’s the real issue here?
“”
35%
... a man is
more likely to be
diagnosed
with
prostate
cancer
than a woman is to
be diagnosed with
breast cancer.
“”
Making sense of current recommendations
The greatest challenge men face
in regards to their general well being is
a reluctance to discuss the health issues
they face either with their partner,
family or doctor. It’s a common trait
in men to shrug off these discussions.
We like to think of ourselves as the
protector of the family. We don’t like
How a moustache can save a life.
The Movember Foundation is the
leading global organization committed
to changing the face of men’s health by
challenging men to grow moustaches
during Movember–the month formerly
known as November. The purpose is to
raise awareness, promote discussion
and generate funds for prostate cancer,
testicular cancer and mental health
programs around the world.
Since it’s inception in 2003, the
Movember community has had great
success, spanning 21 countries and
raising over $550 million for 832 yearround programs.
So why the moustache?
Movember was born from the
recognition that a fun and engaging
initiative could help encourage men to
become more actively involved in their
own health. The growth of a moustache
on an otherwise bare lip sparks both
public and private discussion; “Mo
Bros” (participants in Movember)
effectively becoming walking, talking
billboards for men’s health for 30
days, raising funds along the way.
Movember aims to increase awareness
and support for men’s health by getting
conversations started at a grassroots
level, educating men about the health
risks they face and raising vital funds
for support programs.
Let’s get the conversations started!
This year, VMH staff will be
supporting the Movember Foundation
by growing moustaches to raise
awareness of men’s health issues such
as Testicular Cancer, Prostate Cancer
and Mental Health, and you can join in
too. Growing a moustache through the
month of November is more than just a
fashion statement. It’s an opportunity
to spark a conversation about men’s
health.
If everyone reading this article
can tell a male friend about these
issues, maybe together, we can reduce
the number of men who die from these
diseases and illnesses.
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
VMH Spotlight on Health
VMH Hand Therapy:
A Hands-On
Approach
Colleen Ruebsamen
Occupational Therapist, VMH
We use our hands, wrists and
elbows functionally every day. Simple
things like tying your shoes, preparing
food and driving can be affected
by movement limitations, pain and
decreased strength in your hands,
wrists and elbows.
It is important to address any
pain or concerns you have with your
upper extremities to promote pain free
function and prevent deformities. For
example, an injury initially limiting
the movement of one joint that is
left untreated can lead to further
imbalance as hand use and movement
patterns are adapted to prevent pain at
the initial injury site.
This imbalance can lead to pain,
and at times, deformity at the injured
joint as well as joints surrounding the
initial injury. In other words, a minor
injury can lead to other problems
if left untreated, which would likely
result in a more complicated course of
rehabilitation.
We
at
Vernon
Memorial
Healthcare are here to help. We have
knowledgeable hand therapists with
a combined total of more than 70
years of experience. Our goal is to
help patients return to their highest
level of function with a direct, patientcentered approach.
Additionally, VMH has a certified
hand therapist (CHT) on staff. In order
to gain this certification, a therapist
must be licensed a minimum of 5 years,
pass an extensive certification exam
and complete 4,000 hours of direct,
upper extremity treatment. There are
just 5,657 certified hand therapists
throughout the United States, and
VMH is proud to provide this service
close to home.
When you come to VMH for hand
therapy, you can feel confident that
you are getting the best treatment
available to you. Our hand therapists
focus on helping patients regain
function through decreasing pain and
improving movement and strength.
The treatment can help you
recover from both new or acute
injuries and chronic ailments brought
on by repetitive use or improper
positioning. Our hand therapists
create an individualized treatment
program focused on decreasing pain
and increasing functional use of your
hands, wrists and elbows.
We can help you make sure you
can use your arms, wrists and hands
to the best of your ability for years
to come, so you can keep doing the
simple things in life.
COMMON CONDITIONS THAT
VMH HAND THERAPISTS WORK WITH.
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Fractures
Tendon Injuries
Surgical Repairs
Generalized Pain and
Weakness
Hand Numbness
Difficulty Grasping
Weakness in the Hand,
Wrist or Elbow
If you are suffering from any of these conditions contact
Occupational Therapy at (608) 637-4385.
Colleen Ruebsamen, Certified Hand Therapist at VMH
Sleep Studies Available at VMH
Rest
SO CLOSE
Sleep studies now available at VMH
10
high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial
fibrillation and auto accidents (just to
name a few).
A simple screening tool can help
you determine if you are a candidate
for a sleep study. If you think you may
have sleep apnea or need a sleep study,
talk with your healthcare provider
about a referral for a sleep study at
VMH.
“”
Untreated
sleep
apnea can lead to
increased risk for
heart attack, stroke
and high blood
pressure
“”
SO MUCH
Comprehensive sleep medicine
services now available at VMH.
Patients can now be diagnosed and
treated for sleep disorders right in
Viroqua. Receive follow up from a
Board Certified Sleep Specialist who
will explain the results of your sleep
study and your treatment options.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to
increased risk for heart attack, stroke,
La Farge Medical Clinic
Kickapoo Valley Medical Center
Outpatient Specialty Care
Viroqua Center for Orthopaedic Surgery
VMH Spotlight on Health
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
Food & Nutrition Services
Call (608) 637-4290 or email [email protected].
Group Exercise Class Schedule
The Friends of VMH
MONDAY
TUESDAY
5:15am
RIPPED
(45mins)
5:15am
STEP/CORE
(45mins)
8:30am
YOGA/CORE
(45mins)
So much care, so close.
Noon
MINI BOOTCAMP
(30mins)
10:00am
STRENGTH 101
(45mins)
So much care, so close.
4:00pm
TRX SUSPENSION
(55mins)
4:00pm
SPIN/CORE
(55mins)
5:15pm
TOTAL BODY
(45mins)
WEDNESDAY
5:15am
RIPPED
The Friends of VMH
(45mins)
8:45am
SILVER SNEAKERS CLASSIC
(45mins)
FRIDAY
5:15am
STEP/CORE
(45mins)
5:15am
SPIN
(45mins)
8:30am
YOGA/CORE
(45mins)
8:45am
SILVER SNEAKERS CLASSIC
(45mins)
10:00am
STRENGTH 101
(45mins)
Noon
MINI BOOTCAMP
(30mins)
4:00pm
SPIN/CORE
(55mins)
5:15pm
TOTAL BODY
(45mins)
5:15pm
POWER YOGA
(60mins)
THURSDAY
SPECIAL
REGIONAL CLASSES
GAYS MILLS
STRENGTH 101
4:00pm
TRX SUSPENSION
(55mins)
Starting Wed. Oct. 29th
10:30am Community Center
5:15pm
POWER YOGA
(60mins)
6:00pm
TAE KWON DO
(60mins)
WESTBY
YOGA/CORE
6:00pm
TAE KWON DO
(60mins)
CrossFit Viroqua
6:00pm
HATHA YOGA
(60mins)
Starting Thu. Oct. 21st
3:15pm Westby Elementary
Water Exercise Schedule
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
5:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:30am
AQUA-CISE
(60mins)
11:30am
JOINTS IN
MOTION
(45mins)
11:30am
AQUA-CISE
(60mins)
11:30am
JOINTS IN
MOTION
(45mins)
11:30am
AQUA-CIRCUIT
(60mins)
6:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
6:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
6:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
6:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
6:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
7:00am
FOUNDATIONS
(60mins)
7:00am
FOUNDATIONS
(60mins)
5:00pm
PARENT-TOT
(45mins)
7:00am
FOUNDATIONS
(60mins)
8:30am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
8:30am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
8:30am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
8:30am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
8:30am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
11:00am
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00pm
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00pm
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00pm
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00pm
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:00pm
CROSSFIT
(60mins)
5:30pm
AQUA-FIT
(60mins)
MEMBERSHIP
with unlimited classes.
Individual - $45/mo.
Family - $75/mo.
•
MEMBERSHIP
without classes.
Individual - $25/mo.
Family - $45/mo.
•
OFF PEAK MEMBERSHIP
access 10am-3pm
Individual - $149/yr. or $12.42/mo.
•
STUDENT/ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERSHIP
Individual - $99/yr.
•
SENIOR MEMBERSHIP (+65yrs)
Individual - $16/mo.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Hatha Yoga
Basics of Yoga with relaxation.
Joints in MotionH2O
Water-based exercise for those with
arthritis and joint problems.
Mini Bootcamp
30min strength and cardio circuit
workout.
Parent-TotH2O
Water-based class to promote Parent/
child bonding (6-36months old)
5:45pm
PARENT-TOT
(45mins)
INVESTMENT
6:00pm
6:00pm
6:00pm
FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS
(60mins)
(60mins)
(60mins)
Aqua-CircuitH2O
Aerobics class in a therapy pool.
Aqua-ciseH2O
Aqua-based cardio and strength class.
Aqua-FitH2O
Advanced version of Aqua-cise.
CrossFit Viroqua
A broad, high intensity and constantly
varied workout regime.
CrossFit Viroqua Foundations
The basics of CrossFit.
5:30pm
AQUA-FIT
(60mins)
Pilates
Engages the mind and conditions the
body.
Power Yoga
Strength and flexibility through Yoga
followed by relaxation.
Ripped
The One Stop Body ShockTM.
Silversneakers Classic
Classes designed to improve muscular
strength and range of movement.
11
CROSSFIT
$99 PER MONTH
•
RACQUETBALL/TABLE TENNIS/WALLYBALL
$30 FOR 10 SESSIONS
•
GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
$15 PER CLASS PER WEEK (MEMBERS)
$24 PER CLASS PER WEEK (NON-MEMBERS)
•
KARATE
$60 FOR 12 WEEKS
•
PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS
$25 - 1 SESSION
$200 - 10 SESSIONS
$262.50 - 15 SESSIONS
$300 - 20 SESSIONS
Spin
Cardiovascular workout with a
stationary bike followed by core
strengthening.
Spin/Core
40min Cardiovascular workout with
a stationary bike followed by core
strengthening.
Step/Core
Step aerobics followed by core
strengthening.
Strength 101
A total body workout for all levels.
Tae Kwon Do
Unarmed combat techniques for self
defense.
Total Body
A full-body strength workout using
everything from ropes to kettlebells.
TRX Suspension
Full-body workout using your own
body weight.
www.vmh.org
Fall 2014
VMH Spotlight on Health
THE TRAINER’S CORNER
Sam Franke
Personal Trainer,
VMH Wellness Center
In this edition of The Trainer’s
Corner, VMH Wellness Center’s
Sam Franke walks you through the
Romanian Deadlift.
Romanian Deadlift’s (RDLs) are a
great way to strengthen your posterior
chain, which includes your hamstrings,
glutes, back and shoulders. They can
be done with barbells, dumbbells or
kettle bells.
The top three
benefits of
hiring a Personal
Trainer
1 ACCOUNTABILITY
Having
someone
hold
you
accountable for working out
regularly is key to maintaining a
high level of motivation.
To schedule an appointment
with a Personal Trainer, or to get
advice about your fitness goals, call
the VMH Wellness Center at (608) 6374290
2 TECHNIQUE
Trainers pay close attention to
form, giving you feedback along the
way. This maximizes your workout,
giving you better results and
lowering the risk of injury.
3 PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS
Personal trainers tailor fitness
programs to your individual goals
and strengths, helping you work out
more efficiently.
This is a full page
workout sheet for
you to pin up at
home.
Side-column
Stretch
Hip Flexor Stretch
This Hip Flexor Stretch will help
address or prevent back pain and give
you full range of motion in your hips.
You can do this stretch using your
couch.
Basic Romanian
Deadlift
i Good for back and hip pain.
! Make sure you keep your back
straight, not to be confused with
vertical. Rounding your back
could lead to injury.
1 Stand directly over the kettle bell
with the handle between the
arches of your feet. Keep your
back straight and shins vertical.
! Make sure to put a blanket under
your knee if you aren’t on carpet.
2 Hinge from your hips with your
knees directly over your ankles. Grip
the kettle bell, flex your glutes and
slowly stand straight up.
3 Squeeze hard at the top. Flex your
quads, glutes and abs.
4 Make the move down. Your hips
go back and the kettle bell goes down
toward the middle of your feet. Touch
the ground while maintaining muscle
tension and come back up.
Single-leg Romanian
Deadlift
1 Put the top of your foot on the
edge of the couch. Drop your knee as
close to the couch as you comfortably
can. (You might have to start farther
out and move back over time.)
Your opposite foot should point
straight ahead with your knee right
above your ankle. Sit tall and square
your pelvis to the wall in front of you.
i This variation uses your own body
weight to provide resistance.
i Aim for 3 sets of 8-10 reps.
i If this workout is easy for you by
the end of 10 reps, move onto
adding weights.
! Try this variation before adding
weights.
1 Put your arms out for balance.
2 Plant one foot and hinge at your
hips until horizontal. Keep your pelvis
square to the floor by flexing the
opposite glute. Try to keep a horizontal
line from head to toe.
3 Come back up slowly and switch
legs. Repeat about five times on each
leg.
Weighted Single-leg
Romanian Deadlift
i This variation uses additional
weights to provide increased
resistance.
2 Flex the glute of the foot on the
couch. Lean forward you will feel a big
stretch in your upper quads and hip
flexor. Hold for a couple minutes on
each side.
i Aim for 3 sets of 8-10 reps.
i If this workout is easy for you by
the end of 10 reps, increase the
weight.
1 Follow body-weight steps to reach
down to kettle bell.
2 Grab the kettle bell, making sure
to engage your core before slowly
standing up.
12
3 Tap your toe for balance if
necessary. Place the kettle bell right
in front of your toe when you go back
down.
i You may have to shoot for one
minute initially and build up to a
couple minutes. Eventually you will
want to go up to 10-12 total minutes.
That’s when you’ll see and feel the
most changes.

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